After not being on a bicycle for years, I just started using the share bikes here in San Francisco, and was thinking of expanding my horizons a bit with a folding bike.

The share bikes are 42.5 pounds, btw.

In searching the internet, it's surprising to me how few reviews there are for folding bikes. And it seems there are even fewer reviews for the internet only bikes - Origami, fBike, Citizen bike.

I'm looking to buy something relatively cheap, I figure if I like it I can always upgrade by selling the old one on Craigslist.

Does anyone know anything about the fBike? I did a search on this forum and didn't come up with anything. It has rave reviews at Amazon - http://amzn.to/1eFsUNR - and is $249 + $29.95 shipping. It is 31 pounds, 6 pounds more than the Origami Crane 7 (but $76 cheaper when you factor in the higher price and higher shipping cost.)

BTW, I know that the owner of Origami frequently posts around here, and am happy to hear his admittedly biased opinion. Nothing wrong with admittedly biased opinions, it's the hiddenly biased ones that are problematic.

But if you are looking to save money, I would suggest also buying one on Craigslist. You get to try the bike, and probably get it for half price or even much less. You see lots of Dahons, which are good bikes, an the occasional Bike Friday, which is a great bike.

But if you are looking to save money, I would suggest also buying one on Craigslist. You get to try the bike, and probably get it for half price or even much less. You see lots of Dahons, which are good bikes, an the occasional Bike Friday, which is a great bike.

+1

All my folders are second hand from Craigs List ! I do think you need to be a mechanically inclined to buy a used folder so that you can check it carefully (or take a friend). But I think this is ALSO true if you are buying a bike mail order from the internet.
You get ALOT more bike for your buck used. Most used bikes are "garage queens" , they might be older (so what) with low miles.

I imagine the lower cost folders do not get professional reviews for a number of reasons,
Heres a couple of my guesses:

-High End Bikes get the spot light
-Lower Priced bikes, made by small manufacturers are lower profit margin and they can't afford to ship sample units.

I imagine you can get some "user" reviews for the cheap folders Walmart carries. As you seem to be very aware of the pitfalls of on-line reviews. I would also caution that the Walmart/Amazon "user" review may not even be a regular bike rider.

If I were going to buy one of these lower cost "internet bike" I imagine that dollar for dollar they are similar equipped and quality level. Therefore warranty, customer service and return policies would drive my choice.

But back to what graycenphil said: lots of Dahons on CL and they are good bike.

In uber-cheap used folderland, I keep my eyes peeled for a Fuji / Marlboro MTB like this one. I've seen these for less than $100 quite often. Mine was $45 at a thrift store.

Innovative frame design - remove the seatpost and the frame swings apart for carrying, insert the seatpost back into the seat tube to make everything work again. There's also a release for the handlebars if you want to swing them parallel to the frame.

There are forumites here who have reworked these with drop bar / STI and much better components & wheels. I've considered something similar with my Fuji, though I've done a mondo change-o with this '92 Schwinn Montague in a different direction.

After not being on a bicycle for years, I just started using the share bikes here in San Francisco, and was thinking of expanding my horizons a bit with a folding bike.

The share bikes are 42.5 pounds, btw.

In searching the internet, it's surprising to me how few reviews there are for folding bikes. And it seems there are even fewer reviews for the internet only bikes - Origami, fBike, Citizen bike.

I'm looking to buy something relatively cheap, I figure if I like it I can always upgrade by selling the old one on Craigslist.

Does anyone know anything about the fBike? I did a search on this forum and didn't come up with anything. It has rave reviews at Amazon - http://amzn.to/1eFsUNR - and is $249 + $29.95 shipping. It is 31 pounds, 6 pounds more than the Origami Crane 7 (but $76 cheaper when you factor in the higher price and higher shipping cost.)

BTW, I know that the owner of Origami frequently posts around here, and am happy to hear his admittedly biased opinion. Nothing wrong with admittedly biased opinions, it's the hiddenly biased ones that are problematic.

Yes, my opinion trends to favor the Origami products. I don't know anything about the bIke, but the extra 6 pounds is pretty significant. I have the utmost confidence in the Crane 7 and I am very proud of its weight and quality.

Based on the specs on your website, at 6'2" and 230 lbs. looks Like I would need to get a Mantis.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinigis

Yes, my opinion trends to favor the Origami products. I don't know anything about the bIke, but the extra 6 pounds is pretty significant. I have the utmost confidence in the Crane 7 and I am very proud of its weight and quality.

Based on the specs on your website, at 6'2" and 230 lbs. looks Like I would need to get a Mantis.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pinigis

Yes, my opinion trends to favor the Origami products. I don't know anything about the bIke, but the extra 6 pounds is pretty significant. I have the utmost confidence in the Crane 7 and I am very proud of its weight and quality.

Email me at paul@origamibicycles.com and I can give you more details and guidance.